As part of the cultural heritage valorisation activities promoted by the MASKS – Unveiling the Arts and Works behind the Masks project, the event “The Seeds of Persephone – The Masks of Nicola Toce” will take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at the Cine Teatro Piazza Elettra in Marconia (MT), Italy. The initiative is dedicated to exploring the dialogue between art, tradition, and identity.
The event focuses on the work of sculptor Nicola Toce, a contemporary interpreter of Lucanian ritual masks, which symbolically express the deep connection between humans, nature, and the cyclical nature of life. His creations are part of a research path that intertwines memory, myth, and contemporary artistic languages.
The programme will feature institutional representatives, scholars, and experts, including anthropologists, art historians, and university professors, who will provide a multidisciplinary perspective on traditional masks, highlighting their value as intangible cultural heritage and as tools for community storytelling.
Through contributions and dialogue among diverse fields of expertise, the event will offer insights into the role of masks not only as artistic expressions but also as cultural devices capable of generating identity, belonging, and new opportunities for local development.
This initiative is part of the broader educational pathway of the MASKS project, which aims to transform traditional craftsmanship into opportunities for learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship, engaging students, artists, and professionals in a European dialogue between cultures.
Event details
Sunday, April 12, 2026
4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Cine Teatro Piazza Elettra – Marconia (MT), Italy
